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TAMK Student's Handbook

Finnish personal identity code for new international degree and exchange students

All new international degree and exchange students will need a Finnish personal identity code. Students coming from outside the EU/EEA/EFTA should apply for the code along with their residence permit. EU and EEA nationals and non-EU nationals with a comparable status (EFTA countries) or students who have not received the code with the residence permit, will have to apply for the identity code after they arrive in Finland. The easiest way is to complete the registration on campus* during the Welcome Week.

* Subject to changes due to COVID-19 situation

Please note that it can take up to 4 - 5 weeks to get the code in Tampere. Before leaving TAMK, please check with the Exchange Student Services that your student data contains your Finnish personal identity code. TAMK is obliged to collect the code for administrative purposes.

You will need a Finnish personal identity code to prove your identity, for example, at banks (also when opening a bank account) and hospitals (including Tullinkulma Student Health Care Centre). The code was formerly known as a social security number. Nowadays it has nothing to do with Finnish social security and is only used for identification purposes.

I still do not have a Finnish personal identity code. What should I do?

Please visit the the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) to get your Finnish personal identity code latest before you leave. You should book an appointment. Please note that it can take up to 4 - 5 weeks to get the code. You can authorise the Digital and Population Data Services Agency to send your Finnish personal identity code directly to the TAMK Study Services, Student Mobility.

Please remember to bring the following documents with you to the Digital and Population Data Services Agency:

  • a filled-in form for exchange students, please do not sign the form:
  • a valid passport or an official identification card with a photo (EU/EEA citizens)
  • a photocopy of your passport’s ID page or a photocopy of your ID card (front and back of your card)
  • a Finnish residence permit card (if applicable)
  • a photocopy of your Finnish residence permit card (front and back of your card)
  • TAMK Student Certificate
  • a photocopy of your TAMK Student Certificate
Published: 26.6.2019
Updated: 13.9.2023